Sunday, 12 August 2007

Its that time of the year Again, remembering VJ Day

Its when we pause to remember those people of the 'Forgotten Fleet' the young British Royal Navy Sailors of the British Pacific Fleet, The ave age after being in commission for two years was 19.5 yrs on VJ Day, Myself joining Jan 1942 I was 19.1 yrs on VJ day Aug 1945. Our revered leader, Vice Admiral Sir Bernard Rawlings proudly described us as mere children with heaps of guts.George Haynes an old shipmate was today explaining that over a period of one year the fleet lost 248 aircraft in all, 44 in raids over Palembang (Indonesia) in two days, those captured the two youngest 19 yrs to the two eldest 22 years old , Nine all told were Beheaded by the Japs after VJ Day, countless others failed to make the trip home to the UK, however our ship after repairs finally made it home on a freezing March 3 - 1946, Being at sea on VE day and also VJ Day we missed out on celebrations, adding to this we were the last unit serving overseas during the war to arrive home to the UK ten months after the war in Europe had packed in. Apart from our relatives who were pleased to see us, the British Govt did nothing not even a flaming band, most people were wondering and asking "what war are you going on about" the ignorant twits. So The British Pacific Fleet WW2 became the "Forgotten Fleet".

And like the "Three Old Ladies Locked in The Lavatory"--"Nobody Knew We Were There".

Hi its vest here, I shall be popping in to the local hospital on Tues Aug 14 for something or other to do with my Op on the Aug 23, I may be late going to other blogs as well as here, so hang about, see you soon.

Here is a small excerpt from my novel, 'Waving Goodbye to A Thousand Flies'.

The Sailor’s UniformFor many years, sailors in the British Royal Navy waited for the privilege to leave their ship or establishment out of uniform. In the early 1950’s, this privilege was finally granted, but only in shore establishments. In 1965, it was extended to ships, but only in British Commonwealth ports of call.Should anyone dare suggest that my descendants wear a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera-type navy uniform, I would cheerfully see them dead before allowing it. People who wear these uniforms may feel proud for a while, but the novelty wears off very quickly when you discover you have been dressed to fit into a subordinate category and are identified as such. Furthermore, you are obliged to cringe, bow, and grovel before all other navy personnel who are dressed in attire that is more comfortable. The higher their order of rank, the more difficult it is to communicate with them. This sort of situation gives the word ‘rank’ a different definition. You can easily recognise these Dartmouth Desmonds because they elevate their twitching noses like pompous peacocks when they address you. During any conversation, you will be forced to listen to cod’s wallop like “I say, old chap” or” I say, Smith” or “Jolly good, oh get on with it” or “Damn good show” and “Rugger Soccer” and “Twickers.” By this time, you will wish you had joined the salvos, who at least command respect no matter what IQ they have. Sitting on their arses and legally collecting money and smiling at people cannot be all that bad.If you have ever struggled to get into a British Navy sailor’s uniform, you will know how uncomfortably hot and itchy it is. The useless black silk and lanyard just make it easier for shore-going assassins to be able to strangle you in a punch-up.Most sailors during my Royal Navy days (including those from other countries) couldn’t wait to take off these peculiar uniforms that are reminiscent of the days of wigs and crinolines.(The USA, a Former Colony of Britain) and the world leader when it comes to reform and futuristic ideology, has also missed the boat when it comes to uniforms. Although its lower-deck sailor’s uniform lacks the distinctive pantomime look of the French and British theatrical costume, in my opinion it still looks flamboyant and effeminate.Gene Kelly, Old Blue Eyes, and other stars were seen cavorting gaily about in sailor’s uniforms in semi-ancient Hollywood movies, but they were paid astronomical fees for doing so.Nowadays, girls, women, etc. avoid relationships with long-absent seagoing lovers, unless of course they are strict or religious or perhaps desperate, pregnant, or just plain ugly. Nevertheless, I admire those dear few ladies who love waiting and appreciate what they are waiting for.My message to you black-tie bigwigs with your myriads of medals is: Cast your eyes upon the plight of your lower-deck men. It’s time they wore sophisticated uniforms that make them look like men. Put the old, outdated uniforms where they belong – with cocked hats, penny-farthing bicycles, grandma’s box of musty mementoes, and rusty tins of used gramophone neeedles. Excerpt from vest's aka J L Spencers book "Waving Goodbye To A Thousand Flies". Now banned in 37 countries.mostly those controlled by Catholicism or Muslim faith industries.get it straight from the publisher Email sales@trafford.com ISBN 1-4120-3384-5 or Amazon.

Uniform Rig (1857)The Admiralty finally established a uniform rig for enlisted men (ratings) in 1857. Considerable attention had been given to the uniforms worn by officers for some time, but this was the first Admiralty mandated uniform for enlisted men. The uniform was the same for senior and junior ratings, except for the badges worn on the left sleeve. All those dressed as seamen were to wear "square rig". 'Idlers' which the Admiralty defined as those incapable of manning the guns, masts, and yards to fight the ship, were not deemed worthy of square rig and were dressed in a rudimentary form of fore and aft rig.

Tell me: Have you ever dated a Sailor? if so describe the experience, (Men need not answer this question).

16 comments:

remember those people of the 'Forgotten Fleet' the young British Royal Navy Sailors of the British Pacific Fleet, The ave age after being in commission for two years was 19.5 yrs on VJ Day, Myself joining Jan 1942 I was 19.1 yrs on VJ day Aug 1945. Our revered leader, Vice Admiral Sir Bernard Rawlings proudly described us as mere children with heaps of guts.

If God had a name, what would it beAnd would you call it to His faceIf you were faced with Him in all His gloryWhat would you ask if you had just one questionYeah, yeah, God is greatYeah, yeah, God is goodYeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeahWhat if God was one of usJust a slob like one of usJust a stranger on the busTrying to make His way home

If God had a face, what would it look likeAnd would you want to seeIf seeing meant that you would have to believeIn things like Heaven and in Jesus and the SaintsAnd all the Prophets and...Yeah, yeah, God is greatYeah, yeah, God is goodYeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

What if God was one of usJust a slob like one of usJust a stranger on the busTrying to make His way homeTryin' to make His way homeBack up to Heaven all aloneNobody callin' on the phone'Cept for the Pope maybe in RomeYeah, yeah, God is greatYeah, yeah, God is goodYeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

What if God was one of usJust a slob like one of usJust a stranger on the busTrying to make His way homeJust tryin' to make his way homeLike a holy rolling stoneBack up to Heaven all aloneJust tryin' to make his way homeNobody callin' on the phone'Cept for the Pope maybe in Rome

Chorus:Oh, dear, what can the matter beThree old ladies locked in the lavatoryThey were there from Monday to SaturdayNobody knew they were there

The first one's name was Elizabeth PorterShe went in to be rid of some overdue waterAnd she stayed there far more than she ought toAnd nobody knew she was there.

Chorus:

The second one's name was Elizabeth PomphreyShe went in to make herself comfyThen she said: "Girls, I can't get my bum free."And nobody knew she was there.

Chorus:

The third one's name was Elizabeth CarterShe was known as a world reknowned farterShe went in and played a sonataAnd nobody knew she was there.

Chorus

The last young lady was sweet Mary DickerWho merely went in to pull up her KnickersShe thought she'd be quickBut the Vicar was quickerAnd nobody knew she was there.

Oh, dear, what can the matter beThree old ladies locked in the lavatoryThey were there from Monday to SaturdayNobody knew they were there.-------------------------------------There is a naughty nautical version which cannot be printed here. Vest.

Mr Vest. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!Tell the people you love, that you love them at every opportunity.And keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.You don't need friends that make you miserable.You want someone that lifted your spirit and emotions.

The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. Be alive while you are alive.Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.Enjoy the simple things.Cherish your health, preserve it if it's good, improve it if it's unstable and get help should it's beyond what you can improve.

Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets,keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Birthday is one of the day that you could share with the people you choose, to be happy.Your home is your refuge.When you're old....keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle as an idle mind is the devil's workshop which can cause Alzheimers.

About Me

Ardent family orientated bloke,love my family lots.
Love Australia my Beautiful adopted country, but remember passionately my home village, Chalgrove in Oxfordshire, England. My favourite friends would include several shipmates I am in close contact with who served with me while in the British Royal Navy ..going back a fair bit.
There is also the silence of my age, too full of wisdom for the tongue to utter it - in words intelligible to those who have not lived-the great range of my life.
Vest.GSM, LSGCM, WM, B/PM, ITM, UNM, K-N M, EOW M, Asia- PAC M. ROYAL NAVY 25yrs, Retired.